Z-Technik windshield

Graf · Post by **Graf** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:50 am

.......I got one for $160 off ebay. anybody has it installed and how do you like it?......the mounting bracket seems a bit funky and requires the removal of handle bars.....i don't really like the mounting bracket and how it mounts and this is why i would like to hear from somebody who is using it before I try it out......
thx,
alex

Post by **tobes** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 1:09 pm

I have that screen and have been using it for almost a year. The bracket is a pain in that you have to remove the handle bars - it's a two person job. It's really not that difficult though. You need someone to hold the bars up while you slip the bracket under. It would be nice if the screen could more easily be removed. In the end I'm very happy with it though and would recommend it. I think it looks great on the bike. It does put a little turbulence on the helmet and I wan't so sure about it at first. But, now I've adapted to it and am happy with it.

This isn't the best photo but it shows the screen:

Graf · Post by **Graf** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 4:18 pm

....tobes....how tall are you and what's you inseam....if you don't mind me asking:-)......

Post by **gibbo111** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 5:13 pm

I've just put the smaller screen on my new bike and boy is it noisy, but i usually wear earplugs so its ok but it also creates a fair amount of turbulance. I wonder why they dont make something that is better(my 1150gsa with standard screen was great) it can be done . I'm 5 ft 8ins with 32in inseam, if i was taller i am not sure if I could keep it. The bracket is easy to put on but requires 2 to do it and it looks ok once its on. I was wondering if the bigger screen would send the wind and noise up over hidher and get your head into clean air ? anyone tried both screens ,would like to hear opinions on the comparison. I would probably look more at screen options if I was doing it again although the ztech is well priced here in australia but!! Just done my first decent ride on my 12r(2 days) and is the best bmw i've owned so far I love it

Post by **silvermcoupe** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:51 pm

I have the Z Technik windshield on my R12. When I bought my bike I optioned the BMW hard bags and waas going to get the BMW windshield. My dealer recommended that I not go with the BMW shield. They put it on along with the bags.

I like the windshield and find it works very well. I'm 6 foot even and it gives me good coverage.

Post by **silvermcoupe** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:54 pm

tobes wrote:I have that screen and have been using it for almost a year. The bracket is a pain in that you have to remove the handle bars - it's a two person job. It's really not that difficult though. You need someone to hold the bars up while you slip the bracket under. It would be nice if the screen could more easily be removed. In the end I'm very happy with it though and would recommend it. I think it looks great on the bike. It does put a little turbulence on the helmet and I wan't so sure about it at first. But, now I've adapted to it and am happy with it.

This isn't the best photo but it shows the screen:

I like your top case. Is that a BMW case? How big is it?

Post by **tobes** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:19 pm

Graf wrote:....tobes....how tall are you and what's you inseam....if you don't mind me asking:-)......

Not at all Graf. I'm 5' 10" w/ 32" inseam.

Post by **tobes** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:22 pm

silvermcoupe wrote:
I like your top case. Is that a BMW case? How big is it?

Yes it is the BMW case. Outside dims are 17" x 17.5" x 12" (about). It's just big enough to hold a full face helmet.

Post by **gibbo111** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 3:14 pm

silvermcoupe wrote:I have the Z Technik windshield on my R12. When I bought my bike I optioned the BMW hard bags and waas going to get the BMW windshield. My dealer recommended that I not go with the BMW shield. They put it on along with the bags.

I like the windshield and find it works very well. I'm 6 foot even and it gives me good coverage.

hey silver which screen do you have the 408 or the larger 409? would love to know if the 409 creates less noise and turbulance around the head. The dealer here in aust. recommended the smaller for the hotter climate .

Bheckel169 · Post by **Bheckel169** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 7:56 pm

I have the 22 inch Z-Technik windshield and as was mentioned earlier it's a two man operation but it literally takes 30 to 40 minutes depending on the number of beers you're drinking while assembling. I like the looks. I've had lots of compliments that the windshield seems made for the bike. Still, you'll get some turbulance at the helmet as the air is not directed up and over. you'll also get some air under the windshield as well. But, it is a naked bike and in the summer you're going to be glad of your decision.
I'm 5'11" and with 30 in inseam but have a tall upper body.
Bruce

nixdsg · Post by **nixdsg** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 7:30 pm

I have both Ztech screens. I bought the smaller one first, thought it was too noisy and created turbulance aboud my head. Bought the taller one and didn't think it was any better, also moved more as it's taller prying on the bracket more, I guess. I put the shorter one on because I thought it looked better and didn't move as much. I'm 5' 6", 29" inseam and have the low seat. If I squat down an inch or two it gets very quiet. I must be at a point that the wind hits the top half of my helmet when I sit normal. If I sit very upright it's better, gets me in clean air, I guess. The cost is right, not sure if I'd but it again. Maybe buy a RT next time :-)

Nic

Lost Rider · Post by **Lost Rider** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 12:15 am

I have 38,000 miles on my 1200R, many of which would not even have been possible without a quality screen like the ZTechnik screen.
For my point of view the Z screen is the only touring screen available for the Roadster that actually looks like the people who designed it have good, modern taste, complimenting the cutting edge design of the R1200R quite well, IMO.
It also happens to work quite well for me @ 5'11", has proven to be ultimately durable on my adventures, and the company has excellent customer service. What more can you want in a product?

Oh yeah, I have taken my screen on and off enough times now to say that I can do it in under 20 minutes. Yes the first time might be slower, but it's very easy once you've done it + they changed the mount slightly about 6 months ago making it much easier to install. Now that I had the mount powder coated black I can leave it on and just take on the screen for around town, cutting the time to under 10 minutes.

Post by **gibbo111** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 4:07 am

nixdsg wrote:I have both Ztech screens. I bought the smaller one first, thought it was too noisy and created turbulance aboud my head. Bought the taller one and didn't think it was any better, also moved more as it's taller prying on the bracket more, I guess. I put the shorter one on because I thought it looked better and didn't move as much. I'm 5' 6", 29" inseam and have the low seat. If I squat down an inch or two it gets very quiet. I must be at a point that the wind hits the top half of my helmet when I sit normal. If I sit very upright it's better, gets me in clean air, I guess. The cost is right, not sure if I'd but it again. Maybe buy a RT next time :-)

Nic

thanks for that info nixdsg I guess I wont bother with the bigger screen. I'll learn to live with what i've got -it aint that bad!

Graf · Post by **Graf** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:44 am

ChiTown wrote:Oh yeah, I have taken my screen on and off enough times now to say that I can do it in under 20 minutes. Yes the first time might be slower, but it's very easy once you've done it + they changed the mount slightly about 6 months ago making it much easier to install. Now that I had the mount powder coated black I can leave it on and just take on the screen for around town, cutting the time to under 10 minutes.

Joe.......would it be possible for you to take detailed pictures of the new mount? I would like to know which one I got...the old one or the new.....

thx...alex

Bheckel169 · Post by **Bheckel169** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 8:47 am

For those that had some interest in the RT, I can share some stories because my first bike was an 06 1200 RT. I loved the bike, the mechanized windshield and the protection from the elements, but there is also a downside. I'm 5'11" and have a 30 inch inseam and even with the low seat, I still was on tiptoes. I dropped the bike twice because it was top heavy and when it goes, it's hard to keep it up. The other problem is that the RT has a tall 1st gear. All it takes is not giving it enough throttle and if you stall out and you're not properly balanced, over she goes. I also found that because of its very good wind protection it becomes a negative in the hot summer. You just get no air at all and it can be sweltering behind all that tupperware. I had to go to a short Cee Bailey sport screen just to get air for the summer.
Again, I love the bike in many ways but the 1200 r in my opinion is a much better balanced bike, 1st gear is better, it's lighter and more flickable and having some air with a so-so windscreen is still better than dying behind an RT. If you plan on riding 150 to 250 miles a day, the R will work for you. If you're a real touring aficionado, then the RT with its bigger tank might make some sense.
Bruce

winkeldc · Post by **winkeldc** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 4:45 pm

FYI

I too have the Ztechnik winshield and encountered a problem at the dealer. I was in for teh EWS recall, and when the tech went to remove the windscreen he found the fork clamp was stripped out from the bolt that connects the windscreen. The manager and the tech disagreed whether Ztechnik was at fault for not anticipating the amount of force or whether BMW did not design the fork clamp properly. I am safe either way because the dealer installed the windscreen before I bought the bike, but I want to warn others that are installing themselves.
There is a remedy, but I was short on patience to understand how it would stop the problem int he future. They had to order the part and I still need the EWS recall so I will have more information next saturday. I just wanted to warn others to talk to the dealer before installing this windscreen just in case.

Lost Rider · Post by **Lost Rider** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 6:16 pm

Graf wrote:[
Joe.......would it be possible for you to take detailed pictures of the new mount? I would like to know which one I got...the old one or the new.....

thx...alex

I will search for a pic, I'm thousands of miles away from my bike right now

The Bracket basically looks the same, just thicker steel used, and they glued the rubber bushings on the mount making it much easier to take on and off.

winkeldc wrote:FYI

I too have the Ztechnik winshield and encountered a problem at the dealer. I was in for teh EWS recall, and when the tech went to remove the windscreen he found the fork clamp was stripped out from the bolt that connects the windscreen. The manager and the tech disagreed whether Ztechnik was at fault for not anticipating the amount of force or whether BMW did not design the fork clamp properly. I am safe either way because the dealer installed the windscreen before I bought the bike, but I want to warn others that are installing themselves.
There is a remedy, but I was short on patience to understand how it would stop the problem int he future. They had to order the part and I still need the EWS recall so I will have more information next saturday. I just wanted to warn others to talk to the dealer before installing this windscreen just in case.

Someone would have to really torque the hell out of that bolt to strip the fork clamp...
Mine are all in there very tight, have been taken off and installed many times...
I really wouldn't be alarmed from this post, sounds like sloppy dealer work,
and just another good reason to Do It Yourself!

-Joe

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